Senators’ Brady Tkachuk Out for a Month

The Ottawa Senators announced Brady Tkachuk will be sidelined for a month with a torn ligament in his leg. Tkachuck reportedly suffered the injury in Monday’s game against the Stars. He fell awkwardly into the boards after throwing a hit on Stars’ forward Blake Comeau. Head coach Guy Boucher said Tkachuk will not require surgery.

Brady Tkachuk goes for a hit on Comeau and looks to go somewhat awkwardly into the boards. Tkachuk hobbles off but stays on the Senators bench. pic.twitter.com/DOJTKtvrQM

The No. four overall pick in last summer’s NHL Entry Draft, Tkachuk has immediately impressed at the pro level. The 19-year-old has three goals, three assists, and 14 shots on goal through Ottawa’s first four games of the season. His absence is a huge blow to a Senators’ offense that’s been surprisingly effective early on. Ottawa’ 24 goals are the third most in the league, but they rank sixth-last in shots per game with 26.8.

The Senators also announced Cody Ceci (upper-body) and Alex Formenton (concussion) will not play Saturday against the Canadiens. Mark Stone was absent from the Senators’ practice on Wednesday but he is expected to practice Thursday.